If you’ve received a call from a number starting with the +62 country code, you’re likely wondering, “which country code is 62?” The direct answer is that the international code 62 is the specific dialing prefix assigned to the Republic of Indonesia. This code is the essential first step for connecting a phone call from anywhere in the world to a landline or Indonesia mobile number. However, understanding this code involves more than just knowing its origin. In recent years, numbers beginning with country code 62 have become increasingly associated with international scams, particularly on messaging platforms like WhatsApp, causing confusion and concern for users worldwide. Many are now wary of the country code 62 scams.
This comprehensive guide serves as the definitive resource for everything related to the 62 country code. It will provide a detailed breakdown of the Indonesian telephone numbering system, including prefixes like the 62 857 country code, and offer step-by-step instructions on how to dial correctly. More critically, this report provides an in-depth analysis of the prevalent scams originating from country 62, equipping you with the knowledge to identify red flags and protect your personal information. By the end of this guide, any question you have about a call or message from a country +62 number will be answered with clarity and confidence.
The Core Explanation: What is Country Code 62?
To understand the function of + 62 country code, it’s important to see its place within the global telecommunications framework. This system is designed to make international calling a standardized process, but its terminology can often be confusing.
Decoding +62: Indonesia’s International Calling Code
The prefix +62 is the unique numerical identifier for 62 Indonesia, ensuring that any international call intended for the country is routed correctly. While “Country Calling Code” is the official term, you might see other names that mean the same thing. If you’ve ever asked “what country code 62 represents?”, you may also have heard the term 62 ISD code. ISD, or International Subscriber Dialing, is an older but still common term that is identical to a country code.
Another crucial component is the exit code, which is the prefix needed to dial out of your country. For the United States and Canada, this is 011, while for many other countries, it is 00. On mobile phones, the plus (+) symbol universally replaces the exit code, simplifying the process. The exit code gets your call out of your country, while the phone country code 62 directs it to its destination.
The Anatomy of an International Call to Indonesia
Every successful international call follows a precise format. The formula for calling a number using the Indonesia country code number is:
[Your Country’s Exit Code] + 62 (Indonesia’s Country Code) + [Area or Mobile Code (without the leading 0)] + [Local Phone Number]
Each part of this sequence is vital:
- Exit Code: Signals you are making an international call.
- Country Code (62): Routes the call to the Indonesian network. So, the answer to “62 is code of which country?” is always Indonesia.
- Area/Mobile Code: Directs the call to a specific region or mobile provider within Indonesia, such as those associated with the 62 838 area code or country code 62-831.
- Local Phone Number: Connects the call to the final subscriber.
Understanding this structure is the key to demystifying the 62 code country dialing process.
The Deep Dive: A Warning on +62 WhatsApp Scams
While it’s a legitimate prefix, the country code with 62 has also been co-opted for malicious activities. A primary reason people search for this code is the alarming rise of unsolicited calls and messages, especially on 62 WhatsApp, from these numbers.
Warning: The Alarming Rise of Scams from +62 Numbers
Users worldwide have reported receiving unexpected country code 62 WhatsApp calls and messages. This pattern points to targeted international scam campaigns. Scammers often use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers, which are easy to acquire anonymously, allowing them to operate at a massive scale. This transforms what seems like a simple nuisance call from the 62 code of which country you now know is Indonesia, into a significant security threat. While this article focuses on the 62 international code, similar issues have been reported with other codes, with users asking “96 which country code whatsapp” or about the 0096 country code whatsapp, highlighting a global problem.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch For
Scammers use various manipulative tactics. The most common schemes associated with the Indonesia whatsapp country code include:
- The “Part-Time Job” Scam: This is a frequently reported tactic from numbers like the 62 857 country code whatsapp. Scammers pose as HR reps from famous companies, offering easy jobs for high pay, like liking YouTube videos. They build trust with a small initial payment before asking for a “fee” or banking details, then vanish.
- Impersonation Scams: A scammer may pretend to be a friend or family member in trouble, urgently needing money.
- Romance and Investment Scams: Scammers build a fake emotional relationship over time before asking for money for emergencies or fraudulent high-return investments.
- The “One-Ring” Scam: Known as “wangiri,” this involves calling and hanging up after one ring. Curious victims who call back are connected to a premium-rate number that charges exorbitant fees.
Red Flags: How to Identify a Suspicious Message or Call
Vigilance is your best defense against country code 62 scams. Here are the clear warning signs:
- Unsolicited Contact: The message is from an unknown international number.
- Poor Language: The message has spelling errors or awkward grammar.
- “Too Good to Be True” Offers: The proposition involves high rewards for minimal effort.
- Action-Oriented Requests: The sender pressures you to click a link or download an app.
- Requests for Information or Money: Any unsolicited request for personal data or money is a major red flag.
- Sense of Urgency: The message creates a false sense of urgency.
Official Advice: What WhatsApp Recommends You Do
If you receive a suspicious message from a +62 country code? number, the advice is simple: Do not engage. Do not reply, answer the call, or click any links. The most effective action is to use the platform’s safety features: Block and Report the number immediately. This protects you and helps WhatsApp identify and ban scam accounts, making the platform safer for everyone.
Clearing Up Confusion: Debunking Myths About Indonesian Numbers
The complexity of the global telephone system has led to several myths about the country cide 62. Clarifying these is essential for safe communication.
Myth: “+62 857” is a US Area Code for Boston
A dangerous point of confusion involves the number sequence 857. A US user seeing a call from a number like +62 857-xxxx-xxxx might see the familiar 857 country code and assume it’s a domestic call from Boston, Massachusetts. This is a critical misunderstanding.
- In Indonesia: 857 is a mobile prefix for the provider Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison. Any search for “0857 prefix provider Indonesia” or “62857 phone area code” confirms this. It is a 62-857 country code, meaning it’s from Indonesia.
- In the United States: 857 is a real area code for Boston.
The definitive identifier is always the country 62 code. A number from Indonesia will always start with +62, while a number from Boston starts with +1.
The “Leading Zero” Rule: The Most Common Dialing Mistake
A frequent error when calling Indonesia is the “leading zero.” Domestically, Indonesian numbers are dialed with a preceding 0. However, when dialing from another country, this leading 0 must be dropped. The Indonesia country code +62 replaces it. Including the zero will cause the call to fail.
- Correct International Format: +62 21-xxxx-xxxx
- Incorrect International Format: +62 021-xxxx-xxxx
This is the most common mistake when using the Indonesia phone number format +62.
Reality Check: Are All Calls from +62 Numbers Fraudulent?
No. It’s crucial to remember that the vast majority of communications from the country code 62 are legitimate. The key is context. If you are not expecting a call from Indonesia and receive one from an unknown +62 country code number, be cautious. If you are communicating with a known contact, the number is almost certainly legitimate.
Practical & Actionable Advice: A Complete User Guide
Here are concrete steps for dialing, identifying, and managing Indonesian phone numbers.
How to Call Indonesia from the USA (and Other Countries)
- Dial the Exit Code: From the U.S., dial 011. From a mobile phone, just use the + symbol.
- Dial Indonesia’s Country Code: Immediately dial 62.
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code: Enter the code, dropping the leading 0.
- Dial the Local Subscriber Number: Dial the remaining digits.
Example: Calling an Indosat IM3 mobile number (prefix 0857)
- From a mobile phone: +62 857 xxxx-xxxx (This is the correct format for a lada +62 857 number)
A Guide to Indonesian Mobile Number Prefixes & Providers
Indonesian mobile numbers follow a 08XX domestic format. Here are the prefixes for major providers:
| Prefix (Int’l Format) | Mobile Operator |
| +62 811, +62 812, etc. | Telkomsel |
| +62 814, +62 857, etc. | Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison |
| +62 817, +62 818, etc. | XL Axiata |
| +62 895, +62 896, etc. | 3 (Tri) |
| +62 881, +62 882, etc. | Smartfren |
How to Block Unwanted Calls and Messages from +62 Numbers
- On WhatsApp: Open the chat, tap the number at the top, scroll down, and select “Block.” Always choose “Report and Block” for scams.
- On an iPhone: In your “Recents,” tap the “i” icon next to the number and select “Block this Caller.”
- On an Android Device: Tap and hold the number in your call list and select “Block” or “Block/report spam.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is country code 62 from?
The 62 country code is for the Republic of Indonesia. It’s the prefix used to dial all phone numbers in that country from abroad.
- How do I call an Indonesian number on WhatsApp?
Save the number to your phone’s contacts in the full international format. Start with +, then 62, and then the mobile number, removing the leading 0. For example, save 0857-1234-5678 as +6285712345678. It will then appear in your 62 857 whatsapp contacts.
- What provider uses the 0857 prefix in Indonesia?
The 0857 prefix, or +62 857 internationally, is assigned to the mobile operator Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, commonly used for its IM3 brand.
- Are all calls from +62 numbers scams?
No, not at all. While scams from some +62 numbers are on the rise, it remains the legitimate country code for Indonesia. The key is to be cautious with unsolicited contact from any number you don’t recognize.
- Why do I have to drop the ‘0’ when calling an Indonesian number?
The leading 0 is a “trunk prefix” for domestic calls within Indonesia. When you use the international country code 62, it serves the same purpose, making the 0 redundant. Including it will cause the call to fail.
Conclusion
The country code 62 is the digital gateway to Indonesia. Understanding its structure—specifically, using the +62 prefix while dropping the leading 0—is the key to successful calling. However, knowledge must be paired with vigilance. The exploitation of +62 numbers by international scammers is a serious threat. The best defense is to never engage with unknown, unsolicited international contacts. Use the “Block and Report” feature on WhatsApp to protect yourself and others.
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